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KENILWORTH: 

% JWfelo4Srama, 

IN TWO ACTS. 

(FOUNDED ON THE NOVEL OF THAT NAME.) 



AS PERFORMED AT 



Thursday, March 8th, 1821. 



Hottftott : 

PRINTED FOR JOHN LOWNDES, 

36, BOW-STREET. 

(Price Two Shillings.) 






3 or " 
vv 



Hodgson, Printer, 25, Fleet-Street, London. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



It may be necessary to state, both by way of apology to the 
distinguished author of the novel, and for the satisfaction of 
those who have witnessed its representation, that the Drama of 
Kenilworth has been produced in Two Acts, in consequence of 
other plays on the subject of greater length, that were submit- 
ted to the Proprietors of Covent-Garden Theatre, having been 
deemed somewhat heavy, and unconnected, in their general 
interest. 

The piece herewith submitted to public opinion, was com- 
piled in the space of as many days as there are acts in it : and 
the success it enjoys is solely to be attributed to the unrivalled 
reputation of the novel in question, and to the great talents 
of the different performers engaged in its representation. 

It may not be invidious to remark, that Mr. F4RLEy's assi- 
duity and abilities, in arranging the performance of the piece, 
are entitled to the highest encomiums and acknowledgments of 

THE COMPILER. 

London, 12th March, 1821. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester Mr. Vandenhoff. 

Varney , Mr. Abbott. 

Lord Hunsdon Mr. ISTorris. 

Earl of Sussex Mr. George. 

Lord Burleigh . , Mr. Crumptom. 

Sir Walter Raleigh Mr. Johnson. 

Tresilian . ► Mr. Connor. 

Michael Lambom ne Mr. Comer. 

Antony Foster ; Mr. Farley. 

Giles Gosling Mr. Barnes. 

Goldthread Mr. Heath. 

Queen Elizabeth Mrs. Faueit. 

Countess of Leices ler ... Mrs. Vining. 

Janet Mrs. T. Hilf. 



Opening Glee invthe First Act. 



Of all the birds on bush or tree, 

Commend me to the owl, 
Since he may best ensample be 

To those the cup that trowl. 
For when the sun hath left the West, 
He chusps the tree that he loves the best; 
And he whoops at his song, and he laughs at his jest i 
Then though hours be late, and weather foul, 
We'll drink, to the health of the bonny, bonny owl. 

The lark is but a bu pkin fowl, 

He sleeps in his nest till morn ; 
But my blessing upon the jolly owl, 

Who all night blows his horn. 
Then up with your cup till you stagger in speech, 
And match me this catch, tho' you swagger and screech, 
And drink till you wink, my merry men each ; 
For though hours be late, and weather foul, 
We'll drink to the health of the bonny, bonny owl. 



Finale in First Act. 

■' Pierce the air with sounds of joy, 
Never more let care annoy." 



KEWIIiWOmTHa 



ACT l s 

SCENE t 

Interior of an Inn, 

Enter Giles Gosling, Michael Lambourne, Gold- 
thread, and others, followed by Tresilian, who retirei 
a little behind the rest. 

Mich. Why, uncle, Giles Gosling, what a precious 
bead-roll you have read me, on my return home, of all 
my comrades : — and so Swashing Will of Wallingford 
has bid ns good night ; and, then, what's become of 
Prance of Padworth ? 

Giles. Pranced off; made immortal ten years since, 

Mich. Nay, after these baulks, I need hardly en- 
quire after Tony Foster. 

Giles. What Tony Foster mean ye ? 

Mich. Why, he they called Tony Fire-the-Faggot ? 

Giles. Tony Foster lives and thrives; but, kins- 
man, I would not have you call him Tony Fire-the- 
Faggot, if you would not brook the stab. 

Mich. How! is he grown ashamed on't ? and hath 
he prospered since, and doth that prosperity keep him 
out of the way of those whose exchequers lie in other 
men's pockets ? 

Gold. Prospered, quotha ! — Why, you remember 
Cumnor Place ? 

Mich. Ay, Master Goldthread, by the same token \ 
robbed its orchard three times; — What of that? 



f> KKNIXWORTH: 

Giles. Well, there Antony Foster now dwells, as 
grand as if he were himself a belted knight. Nor is it 
altogether pride in Tony : there is a fair lady in the 
case, and he will scarce let the light of day fail on her. 
So it is thought he means to wed this stranger, that men 
keep such a coil about. 

• ' sol I mean, , why do 
I 

Giles. "Why, I wot not, Master Tresilian, except 
that men say she is as beautiful as an angel; and no 
one knows whence she comes, or why she is so closely 
mewed up : For my part, I never saw her. 

Mich. What, lived within bow-shot, and never had 
either curiosity or courage to see her ? 

Gold. Why, thou bully, Mike, yonder is the en- 
chanted tower, and the dragon, and the lady, all at thy 
service, if thou darest venture on them. 

Mich. Why, thou bale of sarsnet, so I would, for a 
quartern of sack; — or, wilt thou bet me a piece of 
brown Hollands, against these five angels, (shewing 
money) that I do not go up to Cumnor Hall, and force 
Tony Foster to introduce me to his fair guest? 

Gold. I will. 

Tres. I would gladly pay your halves to be permit- 
ted to accompany you. 

Mich. In what would it advantage you ? 

Tres. In nothing, sir, unless to mark the skill and 
valour with which you conduct yourself. I am a tra- 
veller, which will at once account for my being in this 
inn, and one who seeks for strange rencontres, and un- 
common passages. 

Mich. Nay, if it pleasures you to see a trout tickled, 
I care not how many witness the sport. So, let us in, 
and take another cup ; and, then, for my friend, Tony, 
and Cumnor Place. 

[Exeunt, all but Tresilian and Giles. 

Tres. My good host, I pray you, lend me some of 
your counsel. Who, or what, is this Foster, and why 
makes he such mystery of his female inmate ? 

Giles. Troth, I can add but little to what you have 
just heard, only that he was poor, and is now rich. I 
forewarn thee, my guest, not to go near him. 

Tres. Why, mine host, thy counsel shall not be cast 
away ; but I must uphold my share in this wager. 
Dost know him, good host ? 



A MELO-DHAMA. 7 

Giles. No, thank Heaven ! and don't wish to: he 
never does any thing but for money. I think it likely 
my kinsman and he will quarrel, if Mike thrust his ac- 
quaintance on him ; and I am sorry that you, my wor- 
thy Master Tresilian, will still think of going to Cum- 
nor, in my nephew's company. 

Tres. I have no fear on my account: be assured, I 
shall proceed with caution. 

Giles. Well, only bear in mind, my worthy guest, 
that Tony is quite unlike you and me ; he never does 
any thing, but in the hopes of bettering himself,— as the 
old woman said, when she threw herself over Kingston 
bridge. 

Mich. (Without) What ho! Master Tresilian ! we 
wait ye. 

Giles. Lambourne calls,. 

Tres. I come, I come :— now, then, for Cumnor, 

[Exeunt. 



SCENE 1 1. 



The exterior of Cumnor Place, large Boor in Flats, thickly 
shaded with Wood. 

Enter Michael Lambourne, followed by Tresilian. 

Mich. This wood is as dark as a wolf's mouth ! but, 
come on, and, with stout hearts, we need not fear any 
thing. Well, here we are, at the gate of Cumnor; and 
I have seen many a less strong one, in a county jail. 
(Knocks.) {Music. — Knocks again. 

( Within) What mean ye ? 

Mich. To speak with Master Foster, instantly> on 
pressing business of the State. 

Tres. Methinks you will find it difficult to make that 
good. 

Mich. Tush, man! no soldier would go on, were he 
always to consider when and how he should come on. 
pet us once obtain entrance, and all will go well 
enough. (Music.) 

(The door opens, Michael and Tresilian enter, when the 
door is bolted after them. 



KENILWO'RTR: 



SCENE III. 



A Chamber in Cumnor. 

Within fi Door in the Flats, and a Side Door at the Wing, 
through ichich 

Enter Michael and Tresilian , preceded by a Savant, 

Who bolts dnd locks the Dodr they came in by, and then goes off. 

Mich. Well, I must say, good Fire-the-Faggot, that 
were it not for one's valour's sake, and Master Gold- 
thread's piece of Hollands, I would rather be swilling 
the claret with Giles Gosling, than here ; but, however, 
Master Tresilian, here we are, and must e'en make the 
best on't. 

Ant. (Without) Strangers, say you, enquiring for 
me ?— 

Mich. That's Tony, sure enough. 

Ant. And where are these importunate visitors ? — 
Enter Antony Foster. 
Let me pray you, gentlemen, to tell me the cause of 
this visit ? 

Mich. Ha ! (shaMiig his hand) my dear friend and 
ingle, Tony Foster, how fares it with you for many a 
long year ? What, have you altogether forgotten your 
friend, gossip, and playfellow, Mike Lambourne ? 

Ant. Mike Lambourne ! and are you Mike Lam^ 
bourne ? 

Mich. Aye, as sure as you are Antony Foster. 

Ant. 'Tis well : — And what may Mike Lambourne 
expect, from his visit here ? 

Mich. Why, a damned deal better treatment than 
I'm likely to get, I think. 

Ant. Why, thou gallows-bird ! thou jail-bird ! thou 
friend to the hangman, and his customers ! hast thoit 
the assurance to expect countenance from any one 
Whose neck is beyond the compass of a Tyburn tippet 1 

Mich. It inay be with me as thou sayest ; still am I 
good enough society for mine ancient friend, Antony 
Fire-the-Faggot, though he be, for the present, by some 
indescribable title, the master of Cumnor Place. 



a Melodrama. 9 

Ant. Hark ye, Mike Lamboume, ye are a gambler 
now, and live by the counting of chances : Compute 
me the odds, that I do not, on the instant, throw you 
out of the window, into the ditch, there. 

Mich. Twenty to one, that you do not. 

Ant. And wherefore, I pray you ? 

Mich, Because you dare not, for your life, lay a fin- 
ger on me. I am younger, and stronger, than you, and 
have a double portion of the fighting devil in me. 

Ant. Well, be not wroth with me, good Mike; I did 
but try whether thou had'st parted with aught of thine 
old and honourable frankness : But, who is this gal- 
lant, honest Mike ? — Is he a Corinthian — a cutter, like 
thyself? 

Mich. I pray, know Master Tresilian, and honour 
him ; for he is a gentleman, and hath many admirable 
qualities, tho' not of our class. 

Ant. Then, I will pray you, accompany me in ano- 
ther room, honest Mike ; for, what I have to say to thee 
is for thy private ear. Meanwhile, I pray you, sir, to 
abide us in this apartment, and do not leave it ; — there 
be those in this house, who would be alarmed at the 
sight of a stranger. 

Tres. I shall remember your injunctions, sir. 

[Exeunt Antony, Lamboume, and Foster. 
These are the associates, Amy, to which thy cruel 
levity, thine unthinking and most unmerited falsehood, 
has condemned me ! but, I will not leave the pursuit 
of thee, once the object of my purest, and most devoted 
affections ; though, to me, thou can'st, henceforth, be 
nothing but a thing to weep over. I will save thee from 
thy betrayer, and from thyself. I will restore thee to 
thy parents, and reconcile thee to Heaven. I cannot bid 
the bright star again sparkle in the sphere from which 

it has shot, but what noise is that ! 

( The door in the Flat opens, and 
Enter Amy. 
(Tresilian conceals his face in his cloak. 

Amy. (Advancing , play fully , to Tresilian) Nay, my 
sweet friend, Janet, after I have waited for you so long, 
you come not to my bower to play the masquer ; you 
are arraigned of treason to true love and fond affection, 
and you must stand up at the bar, and answer it with 



10 KENIL WORTH: 

full face, and uncovered. How say you — Guilty, or 
Not Guilty? {pulling the cloak off his face.) 

Tres. Alas! Amy! 

Amy. Almighty Powers ! Tresilian ! 

Tres. It is Tresilian : yet, Amy, fear me not. 

Amy. Why should I fear you, Tresilian, or, where- 
fore have you intruded yourself into my dwelling, un- 
invited, sir, and unwished for*? 

Tres. Your dwelling 1 Amy? Alas ! is a prison your 
dwelling ? — a prison, guarded by one of the most sor- 
did of men ? 

Amy. This house is mine, mine while I chuse to in- 
habit it. It is my pleasure to live in seclusion ; who 
shall gainsay it ? 

Tres. Your father, madam ; your broken-hearted fa- 
ther, Sir Hugh Robsart, who sent me in quest of you, 
with that authority which he cannot exert in person. — 
Here is his letter, (giving letter) written while he bless- 
ed his pain of body, which somewhat stunned his agony 
of mind. 

Amy . ( Taking, and opening letter) The pain ! — Is my 
father, then, ill ? 

Tres. So ill, that even your utmost haste may hardly 
restore him to health. 

Amy. Tresilian, I cannot, dare not, leave this place : 
Go back to my father, tell him t will obtain permission 
to see him, within twelve hours from hence. 

Tres. Permission ! — permission to visit your father, 
on his sick bed — perhaps, on his death bed ! and per- 
mission from whom ?— from the villain who, under the 
disguise of friendship, abused every duty of hospitality, 
and stole thee from thy father's roof! — But, tell me one 
thing, that I may be, at least, one ray of comfort to thy 
father,— Does he claim a husband's right to controul 
your motions ? 

Amy. Stop thy base, unmanner'd tongue! To no 
question that derogates from mine honour, do I deign 
an answer. 

Tres. You have said enough, in refusing to reply. 
With thy will, thine uninfluenced, free, and natural 
will, thou could'st not chuse this state of slavery and 
dishonour. Thou art bound by some spell, entrapped 
by some art, and — but, thus, I break the charm. (In 
an authoritative, firm tone) Amy, in the name of thine 



A M£LO-|>KAMA. U 

excellent, thy broken-hearted father, I command thee 
to follow me. 

(As he is about to grasp her arms, she utters a loud scream. 

Enter Antony Foster, and Michael Lambourne. 

( Tresilian partly draws his sword. 

Ant. Fire and faggots ! what have we here? Ma- 
dam, what makes ye here, out of bounds 1 Retire — 
retire ! there's life and death in this matter. And you, 
friend, whoever you may be, leave this house — out with 
you ! — before my dagger's hilt and your costard become 
acquainted. — Draw, Mike, and rid us of the knave ! 

Mich. Not I, on my soul, Master Fire-the-Faggot. 

Ant. (Very firmly, aside, to Mich.) Hark ye, friend 
Mike — forget that name, and the passage which relates 
to it, if you would not have our newly-revived com- 
radeship die a sudden and violent death. I can, and 
will, prefer thee to the service of my patron. Now, as 
you know me firm, do as I bid ye, and remember, 'tis 
Antony Foster that is now speaking to thee. 

(Returns to Amy. 

Mich, Well, well : (crossing to Tresilian) Hark ye, 
my Cornish comrade ! make yourself scarce, — depart, 
— vanish ! 

Tres. Away ! base groom ! And you, madam, fare 
you well ; — what life is left in your father's bosom, will 
depart, at the news I have to tell him. 

[Exit Tresilian. 

Amy. (Faintly) Tresilian, be not rash; say no 
scandal of me. 

Ant. (Crossing Amy to see Tresilian out, then turns 
to her, and says) Here is proper gear ! and, I pray ye, 
go to your chamber, lady, and let us consider how this 
is to be answered. 

Amy. (Haughtily) I move not at your command, sir. 

Ant. Why, but you must, fair lady; — excuse my 
freedom — but this is no time to strain courtesies, — you 
must go to your chamber. Mike, follow that meddling 
coxcomb, and, as you desire to thrive, see him clearly 
off the premises, while I bring this headstrong lady to 
reason : — Draw, man, and after him. 

Mich. I'll follow him, and see him fairly out of Flan- 
ders ; but, for hurting a man I have drank my morning's 
draught withal, 'tis clear against my conscience. 

[Exit. 



12 KENILWORTH : 

Ant. And now, madam, I must needs urge your re 
tiring to your own chamber. If the knowledge of this 
-mischance should reach my master's ear, it would go 
hard with Antony Foster's honour. Retire, I pray you. 

Amy, Back ! slave ! and touch not even my garment, 
lest ^should ^o harder with thy head than thy honour. 

Ant. Nay, lady, use what terms you please, it can- 
not prevent my knowing my duty. I wish not to use 
violence ; I, therefore, do beseech you, lady ! — Nay, if 
that will not do, I do compel — 

(A whistle is heard from ivithout. 

Aye, we are fairly sped, now ! Yonder is thy lord's 
signal ; and what to say about the disorder that has 
happened in the household, I know not. 

Ay. It is Leicester ! — it is my noble earl ! — it is my 
Dudley ! — His often-heard and well-known whistle 
sounds, to me, like a note of lordly music. 

Ant. Madam, — 

Amy. Now, sir, make way for your master: — Ah! 
Amy, now shines thy happy star : Oh, let me rush in- 
to his dear, fond arms ! — My lord — my dear, dear lord ! 
(rushing past Foster : — with disappointed feeling) Pooh ! 
'tis only Richard Varney ! 

Enter Varney. 

Var. Ay, madam, 'tis but Richard Varney; but, 
even the first gre3~ cloud should be acceptable, because 
it is the messenger of the blessed sun. 

Amy. How ! comes my lord hither to-night? 

Var. Nay, lady, my commission goes not so far as 
that ; but, I bear important news from my lord, which 
befits alone your private ear. 

Amy. Come, then, to my own apartment, with thine 
utmost dispatch. 

Var. I will but break words with Master Foster, 
here, madam, and follow you on the instant. 

[Exit Countess, through Door in Flat. 

— Answer me, thou paltering knave, how came Ti*e- 
silian to be at the postern-door ? 

Ant. Tresilian ! what know I of Tresilian? I never 
heard his name. 

Var. Why, villain, it was the very Cornish chough, 
to whom old Sir Hugh Robsart destined his pretty Amy. 



. 



A MELODRAMA. 13 

Luckily, he knows nothing of my lord, but thinks he 
has only me to deal with. — But how, in the fiend's 
name, came he hither T 

Ant. Why, with Mike Lambourne, an' you must 
know, a fellow thou didst charge me to seek out for 
thee, who has a good sword, and an unscrupulous con- 
science. 

Var. And did he bring the saint-like, sighing Tresi- 
lian, in his hand ? 

Ant. They came together, by heaven ! and Tresilian, 
to speak heaven's truth, obtained a moment's interview 
with our pretty moppet, while I was talking apart with 
Lambourne. 

Var. Improvident villain ! we are both undone ! 

Ant. No fear of that. She is in no mood to stoop to 
his lure. She yelled out, on seeing him, as if an adder 
had stung her. 

Var. That is good : but there is, now, another game 
on the wing. At the Queen's late court, I was sum- 
moned before her majesty, on information she had re- 
ceived, to account to her for this Mistress Amy Rob- 
sart. 

Ant. And what chanced therefrom ? 

Var. I told the Queen she was my wife, and her 
majesty, in her capricious mood, has commanded me to 
bring her to Kenil worth, whither the court is now jour- 
neying ; and, as you know, my lord's marriage cannot 
be disclosed, or all hopes of his ever becoming King of 
England are lost, (and if he is lost, why, you and I 
are no better,) we must e'en persuade her to go there, 
as simple Mrs. Varney. 

Ant. To judge by the frosty reception she gave you, 
that will be no easy matter. 

Var. Why, then, if she obstinately refuse, other 
means must be resorted to — which, I think, Master 
Foster, you and I may readily give birth to. 

Ant. You keep a stout heart, master ; for me, if I 
did not hope to live many years, and have time for the 
great work of repentance,I would not go forward with you . 

Var. Oh, thou shalt live long enough, never fear ; — 
but go, prepare for us a cup of thy best wine. I must 
visit this mavis, unruffled in aspect, and gay in temper. 
But, first resign your trust, and let me have the master- 
key in my possession, while I remain in Cumnor. 

[Exit Foster, 



14 KENILWORTH : 

'Tis true that this base churl hath fathomed my fear. Amy 
loves not me — I would it were as true that I loved not 
her. But she must not leave, until I am assured on 
what terms we are to stand. My lord's interest, and so 
far it is mine, demands concealment of his marriage 
with the countess, or never will he ascend the throne of 
England. Thy ambition, my Lord Leicester, shall be 
goaded by mine. You must climb the hill, my lord, and 
you must drag Richard Varney up with you ! In her, 
too, I mustwork an interest; and who knows but I may 
yet reap the sweetest and best revenge, for her former 
scorn of me ? I come to thee, fair countess, — now for 
a close heart, and an open and unruffled brow. [Exit. 



SCENE IV. 

Another Apartment in Cumnor. 



Trap on the Stage to Work, at 1st Wing — Very strong Door — 
Centre Door in Flat. 

The Countess and Janet discovered. 

Amy. Methinks, Master Varney is somewhat delay- 
ing his errand ; go, good Janet, and call him. 

Jan. I will, dear lady — Oh! Master Varney is here, 
madam. 

Enter Varney. 

Amy. Now, good Master Varney, we are wa ting 
anxiously the news from my lord. 

Var. Madam, we are not alone, and my lord's mes- 
sage was for your ear only. 

Amy. Leave us, Janet ; but remain with your father 
in the next apartment, and within call. 

[Exit Janet. 

Var. My lord regrets that he cannot repair to Cum- 
nor, for the reason, that the Queen is now on her jour- 
ney, to pay the long-talked-of visit to his castle of 
Kenil worth. 

Amy. Indeed ! and brought you no letter from my 
lord, intimating this to me ? 



A MELO-DRAMA. 15 

Var. My noble master's situation at court will pre- 
vent your ladyship visiting Kenilworth, as the Countess 
of Leicester, and a circumstance has occurred, to ren- 
der it still more impracticable. 

Amy. And what is that, sir ? 

Var. Your ladyship must know what the world in 
general believe of your situation. 

Amy. What may it be, sir? 

Var. They say, you left your father's house — but I 
shall offend you, if I go on. 

Amy. Nay, go on; I must learn to endure the evil 
report, which my folly has brought on me : — I am ac- 
counted, I suppose, the paramour of Leicester ? 

Var. Men say — other names ; and such report hath 
reached the Queen. From the share I had in uniting 
you with my lord, they impute, even to me, feelings 
I could never entertain. Such, even in open Court, the 
Queen accused me of; and has ordered that your lady- 
ship, on such account, meet her, forthwith, at Kenil- 
worth : — but my lord's letter will explain all. 

Amy. {Taking the letter; reads.) " Conjure — reasons 
— honor — life — bear, at Kenilworth — name — Varney !" 
(As she reads, she gradually works her countenance into 
violent passion, and then rushes towards the door, be- 
tween which and her Varney interposes, expostulating, 

( Vehemently) Stand from the door, sir, I command you I 
I will have no other reply. What ho ! without, there I 
Janet ! alarm the house ! — Foster ! break open the door ! 
— I am detained here by a traitor ! — Use axe and lever, 
Master Foster ! I will be your warrant. 

(Janet and Foster rush into the room, through door; 
Janet runs up to Amy, and Foster to Varney. 

Jan. In the truth's name, what ails your ladyship ? 

Ant. What, in the name of Satan, have you done to 
her? 

Var. Who, I ? — Nothing ; — nothing, but communi- 
cate to her her lord's commands, which, if the lady list 
not to obey, she knows better how to answer to it, than 
I may pretend to. 

Amy. Now, by heavens ! Janet, the false traitor lies 
in his throat ; he must needs lie, for he speaks to the 
dishonour of my noble lord ! He must needs lie doubly, 
for he speaks to gain ends of his own, equally execra- 
ble as unattainable. 



16 KENILWORTH : 

Var. You have misapprehended me, lady ; let this 
matter rest, till your passion be abated, and I will ex- 
plain all. 

Amy. Thou shalt never have an opportunity of doing 
so. Look at him, Janet I he is fairly drest, hath the 
outside of a gentleman, and hither he came, to persuade 
me it was my lord's pleasure — nay, more, my wedded 
lord's commands, that I should go with him to Kenil- 
worth, and, before the Queen and nobles, and in the 
presence of my own wedded lord, that I should ac- 
knowledge him — him, there, my lord's lacquey — for my 
liege lord and husband. 

Var. You hear her, Foster ; and you, young maiden, 
hear this lady. You hear that her warmth only objects 
to me the course which our good lord, for the purpose 
to keep certain matters secret, suggests, in the very 
letter which she holds in her hand. 

Ant. Nay, lady, I must needs say, you are hasty in 
this ; such deceit is not utterly to be condemned, when 
practised for a good end. 

Amy. Now, so Heaven pardon my useless anger, 
thou art as daring a hypocrite, as this fellow is an im- 
pudent deceiver ! Never will I believe that the noble 
Dudley gave countenance to so dastardly, to so disho- 
nourable a plan. — Thus, (tearing the letter to pieces,) 
thus, I tread on his infamy — if his, indeed, it be — and 
thus destroy its remembrance for ever ! 

Var. Madam, I entreat you to believe yourself mis- 
taken ? 

Amy. As soon will I believe light darkness ! Go ; — 
begone, sir ; — I scorn thee so much, that I am ashamed 
to have been angry with thee. Janet, my lips are 
parched ; I need refreshment, for my spirit is well nigh 
exhausted. 

Var. Ah ! 

Jan. Dear lady, rest on me awhile; and do you, fa- 
ther, do my lady's bidding. 

Var. Come hither, Foster ? (aside) Go to my private 
chamber, and wait me there. Sir, do your lady's bid- 
ding. (Aside) She may have wine ; and, mark ! a drug 
or two won't spoil its relish. — Begone ! 

[Exit Foster. 

We'll try this draught ; it may remove all difficulties ; 
and, though it fail, escape she cannot. She never leaves 
these walls alive, unless as — Mistress Varney. 

[Exit, after Foster, 



A MELODRAMA. 17 

Amy. The villain! the cold-blooded villain! And 
is it possible, Leicester, thou could'st bid me, For one 
moment, deny my wedded right in thee, or thyself yield 
it to another ? But it is impossible ! the villain has lied 
in all. Janet, I will not remain here longer ; — I will 
escape from Cumnor ! 

Jan. Alas, madam, whither would you fly ? 

Amy. I know not, Janet, but I am sure the Heaven 
I serve will not abandon me in this crisis, for I am in 
the hands of wicked men. 

Jan. Do not think so, dear lady ! my father is stern, 
and strict in his temper, and severely true to his duty 
and trust ; but yet — 

Re-enter Foster, with Salver, 

Ant. (Faltering, and trembling a little) I come to 
offer to your ladyship refreshment, after your late alarm. 

Jan. {Going up firmly to her father, and taking the 
salver from his hand,) Father, I will fill for my noble 
mistress, when such is her pleasure. 

Ant. Thou, my child ! — no, my child, it is not thou 
shalt render the lady this service. 

Jan. And why, I pray you, if it be fitting that the 
noble lady should partake of the cup at all ? 

Ant. Why, — why, — (hesitating, and then bursting 
into passion) Why, because it is my pleasure, minion, 
that you should not ! — Get thee gone to the evening 
lecture ! 

Jan. Now, as I hope to hear lecture again, I will not 
go thither this night, unless I am better assured of my 
mistress's safety. Give me that cup, father ? 

( Takes the eup. 
And now, father, that which shall benefit my mistress, 
cannot do me prejudice : Father, I drink to you. 

(Antony, rushing to his daughter, and snatching the gob- 
let from her hand, stands, in a state of wild irresolu- 
tion, glaring on her. 

— This is strange, my father ! Will you not let me serve 
my lady, nor drink to her myself? 

Ant. (Incoherently) I will not. 

Jan. Good Heavens ! my mind misgives me ! And 
can it be ? — can mine own father seek the life of this 
sweet lady ? Fear nothing, father ; speak to me : What 
is thy horrid purpose ?— Speak ; speak, I say ! 



18 KENILWORTH : 

Ant. Speak not to me — I am wild ! — my brain is 
giddy! — my heart is bursting! — This breast, though 
fraught with guilt, can still admit remorse. Hence, to 
the devil who brewed thee ! (throwing away the cup.) 
Touch it not ! 'tis venomous ! — 'tis poi — Oh, maddened 
wretch ! (striking his forehead) 'tis poi — oi — son ! 

(Rushing wildly out. 

Amy. Good Heavens ! it comes upon me — they seek 
my life ! Oh, Janet — but tears are vain ; I will fly this 
place. 

Jan. Oh, madam, whither ? 

Amy. To Kenilworth : I will see Leicester; he can- 
not know my usage. Oh, Leicester, thine own true 
wife, thy Amy, is at the mercy of thy meanest servants. 
I will fly hence. (Falling at Janet's feet) As thou didst 
ever love me, as thou art thyself a woman, aid thy dis- 
tressed mistress ! — Tell me, I beseech thee, is there the 
possibility of escape ? — Is there no secret way ? — Do 
not you desert me ! 

Jan. Desert you, madam! may the hope of my trust 
desert me if I do ! There is a way of escape. 

Amy. What escape, Janet ? — Can I be so happy ? 

Jan. Are you strong enough to make the effort? 

Amy. I am equal to any effort that may relieve me 
from this place. 

Jan. (Looking cautiously round, then pointing to a trap) 
In this chamber there is a trap, leading through the nu- 
merous vaults of the Castle, to a postern-gate, which 
looks on the river ; it opens by a spring. — Gently, ma- 
dam. — 

(She goes to the trap, and touches the spring. 
And now, lady, it will need all our strength, to lift up 
the door. 

( They open the trap-door, and are about to descend, when 
Varney is heard to call " Foster ! " 

Jan. Good Heavens ! here is Varney coming ! 
Amy. We are lost! 

Jan. Stay, lady, leave it to me. Do you step into 
yonder recess, and I will wait here to receive Varney. 

(Amy retires, as 

Varney enters, softly. 

Var. I wonder if she has drank it. Janet, where is 



A MELODRAMA. 19 

your father? {Looking round) Where is the Countess? 

(Sees the trap. 
What trap is this ? — How came it open ? 

Jan. That trap, sir — yes, sir — that trap — I was just 
coming to tell you, — my duty, and my father bid me tell 
you, that — that — the Countess has escaped down that 
trap ! — 

(The Countess is listening. 
Var. Escaped! What's to be done ? She must be 
pursued. — Here, Janet, take these keys, give them to 
Foster ; they open that door which leads out of the 
Castle — Alarm the house ! seek out thy father ! — Mean- 
time, I myself will follow — hasten, to secure her ! 

( Varney runs doum the trap, when Janet beckons on the 
Countess. 

Jan. Now, madam, we must be bold. 

(They both shut down the trap. Janet then shews tlie 

Countess the keys, given to her by Varney. They go 

to the door, open it, and [Exeunt. 



SCENE V. 

A Wood. 

Enter Janet, supporting Amy. 

Jan. Have courage, madam, lean on me ; if we can 
but reach the inn, kept by one Giles Gosling, before we 
are pursued, he will protect us, and furnish us with 
a guide and conveyance to Kenilworth. Cheer ye, 
madam ! 

Amy. Oh, Janet ! for what are we reserved ? But I 
will not despond ; the hope of again meeting my loved 
lord, my Leicester — that shall support my spirits : — my 
miseries must be at an end, when once at Kenilworth. 

Jan. Speed us, then, madam, or we shall be lost. 
Let us avoid the public road, and cross this forest, to 



20 KENILWORTH: 

delude pursuit ; for if Varney should alarm the house, 
and my father release him, I fear we should be both 
undone. 

Amy. Ay, true ; on, then ! — the very name of Var- 
ney gives me strength, almost beyond my sex. 

[Exeunt. 



SCENE VI. 

Kenilworth Castle. 



(Flourish and Shouts.) Enter Queen Elizabeth, 
Leicester, &c. 

Leic. {Kneeling) Thus low and grateful will your 
servant bend, and bless the moment that beheld your 
gracious majesty in his own domains. With your ma- 
jesty's permission, we will proceed ? 

Eliz. Be it so, my lord. We are, in effect, some- 
thing fatigued with a journey, which the concourse of 
our good people hath rendered it so ; though the love 
they have shewn our person, hath, at the same time, 
made it delightful. 

Leic. On, then ! 

(Glee and Chorus, as the jjrocession moves. 



END OF THE FIRST ACT. 



A MELO-DRAMA. 21 



ACT II. 



SCENE I. 
The Gardens of Kemlwortk. 

At one side of the Stage, a Picturesque Grotto . — Music— 
Moonlight. 

Enter Amy. 

Amy. At length, I am in Kenilworth, and if I could 
but see my guide, 1 .should learn if he had delivered 
my letter to Leicester. I am still in alarm, for, even 
now, I was assailed in the chamber to which I first re- 
sorted, and where I met Tresilian. I will not|again 
enter into an enclosed apartment : — here is a grotto ; 
in this will I wait and watch ; here I may see all that 
passes, and yet be myself unseen. 

(She retires into the grotto. — Music. 

Enter Queen Elizabeth and Leicester. 

Eliz. No, Dudley, no ; I must be the mother of my 
people : other ties, that make the lowly maiden happy, 
are denied to her sovereign. No, Leicester, urge it no 
more : Were I, as others, free to seek my own happi- 
ness, then, indeed, — but it cannot, cannot be. Delay 
the chace till morning's dawn ; delay it, I pray ye, and 
leave me, my lord. 

Leic. How ! leave you, madam ! has my madness 
offended you ? 

Eliz. No, Leicester, not so ; but it is madness, and 
must not be repeated. — Go ; but go not out of call* 
and, meantime, let no one intrude on my privacy. 

[Exit Leicester. 
Were it possible, were it but possible ; — yet, no, no — 
Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of England 
alone.— I hear a noise — (seeing Amy) — Ha ! what may 
this be? is it a statue, or is it life itself? (Advances a 

D 



22 KEN1LWORTH: 

little) How now, fair nymph of this lovely grotto,— art 
thou spell-bound ? Speak, we command thee ! 

(As Amy falls at her feet. 
What may this mean? StaM up, damsel — what 
would'st thou have with us ? 
Amy. Your protection, madam. 
Eliz. All my subjects shall have it, while they are 
worthy of it :— -In what do you crave my protection ? 

Amy. I request, I implore, I beseech your gracious 
protection, against, one Varney ! 

Eliz. What, Varney, the servant of Lord Leicester? 
What, damsel, are you to him, or he to you ? 

Amy. I — I — was his prisoner, and he practised on 
my life, and I broke forth, to — to — 

Eliz. To throw thyself on my protection ;— thou 
shalt have it — that is, if thou art worthy. Thou art 
Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart, of Lidcote Hall ? 
Amy. Forgive me! Forgive me ! 
Eliz. Forgive thee ! — for what should I forgive thee, 
silly wench ? — for being the daughter of thy own father? 
Thou art brain-sick, surely, — But thou art married to 
this same Varney ? 

Amy. No, madam, no ; I am not the wife of Varney 
— I would rather be the bride of destruction. 

Eliz. Gad's mercy ! thou canst talk fast enough, 
when thou chusest. Tell me, then, woman, — wiios 
wife, or paramour, art thou? — Thou wert better dally 
with a lion, than with Elizabeth. 

Amy. The Earl of Leicester knows it all. 
Eliz. The Earl of Leicester! Woman, thou dost 
belie him. 

Enter Leicester, and Lords. 

Leic. My gracious Queen, I've given orders — 

Eliz. Oh ! you are come in right good time, my 
lord : — Know you this woman ? 

(Amy advances ; Leicester stands petrified. 
Leicester, could I think that thou hast practised on me, 
that head of thine were in as great a peril as ever was 
thy father's. 

Leic. My head cannot fall, but by the sentence of 
my peers ; to them I will plead, and not to a princess, 
who thus requites my faithful services. 

Eliz What! My lords, we are defied, I think? 



A MELODRAMA, 23 

Amy. {Falling doiuu at the feet of Eliz.) He. is guilt- 
less, madam ; no one can lay ought to the charge of 
the noble Leicester. 

Eliz. Why, minion, did'st not thou thyself say, that 
the Earl of Leicester was privy to thy whole history ? 

Leic (Aside) I will explain all to the Queen, rather 
than injure, any longer, such innocence and beauty.— 
Permit me, madam— 

Enter Varney, in great haste. 

Var. (Falling down, on one knee) Pardon, my liege, 
pardon ; or, at ieast, let your justice fall where it is 
due : — but spare my noble, my innocent, patron and 
master ! 

Amy. Madam, I do implore, protect me from that 
shameless villain ! 

Eliz. By the soul of the Henrys, this is marvellously 
strange ! — What may this mean ? 

Var. An't please your majesty, that lady, my wife— 

Amy. No, no, no ! 

Leic. Thou false villain I 

Eliz. Nay, my lord, we will, by your leave, stand 
between this fellow and your wrath. 

Amy. Oh, madam^ 'tis fa — false ; — I shall go mad, 
if I look longer on that Varney ! 

Eliz. Beshrew me, but I think thou art distraught 
already. My Lord Hunsdon, look to this poor, distrest 
young woman, and see her bestowed in honest keeping. 

(Hunsdon goes round to her, and she exclaims 

Amy. My gracious liege, if pity sways your breast, 
have mercy ! — commit me not to ruthless men — keep 
from me that Varney ! Oh, my lords, plead for me— 
my heart is breaking ! Oh, Lei — Le— 

(Faints in the arms of Lord Hunsdon, and is borne j)ff. 

Eliz. Now, Varney, speak, and explain these rid- 
dles. 

Leic. I'll hear no more ;. my heart sinks, and be the 
worst on me, I'll disclose the whole to the Queen- 
Madam, permit— 

Var. By your leave, my lord :— your majesty's pierc- 
ing eye has already detected the cruel malady of my 
beloved lady ? 

Leic. Vile monster 1 



•24 KENILWORTH : 

Eliz. She is, then, distraught; but, indeed, we had 
no doubt of it. — Why had you her not in safe keeping? 

Var. My gracious liege, the worthy gentleman un- 
der whose charge I left her, Master Antony Foster, has 
come hither with me, but now, to shew your majesty of 
her escape, which she managed with the art peculiar to 
many who are afflicted with this malady: — He is at 
hand for your examination. 

Eliz. Let it be another time. — Go, Varney, and care 
for her with fitting humanity ; but let them rid the cas- 
tle of her, forthwith. 

Var. It shall be done, my liege. 

Eliz. Now, my Lord of Leicester, you are offended 
with us ; and tho' we have a right to be offended with you, 
we will take upon us the lion's part, and be the first to 
forgive. (Gives her hand to Leicester) Now, lords, let 
us in ! 

{Exeunt all but Varney. 

Var. Amy has brought me to the crisis — she, or I, 
am lost. There was something (I wot not if it was 
fear or pity) that prompted me to avoid this fatal crisis : 
— 'Tis now decided, and she dies ! Now for Lord Lei- 
cester. [Exit. 



SCENE IT. 

A Chamber in Kenilworth Castle. 
Enter Leicester. 

Leic. I'm quite distracted ! it cannot, shall not last! 
I am married to Amy ; what, then, should Elizabeth be 
to me ? Ambition has led me on ; — I see, above me, 
the pinnacle, which I cannot reach ; beneath me, the 
abyss, into which I must fall ! I'll first to Amy, then 
to the Queen, and tell her all. — I am desperate, and 
care not for the result : — Shame is behind me, ruin be- 
fore me, — I must on ! [Going. 



A MELO-DRAMA. 25 

Varney enters. 

Var. My lord, — my lord! 

Leic. Ah, monster, is it you? 

Var. Thank heaven, my lord, that I have found you. 

Leic. Thank the devil, whose agent thou art! 

Var. Thank whom you please, my lord; but do you 
blame me for not betraying the secret, on which your 
fortunes depend, and which you have so off and so 
earnestly recommended to my safe keeping? — Your 
lordship was present, in person, and might have con- 
tradicted me, and ruined yourself by an avowal of the 
truth ; but it was no part of a faithful servant to do so, 
without your commands. 

Leic. I cannot deny it — my own ambition has been 
traitor to my love. 

Var. Say, rather, my lord, that your love has been 
traitor to your greatness — To make my honourable lady 
a countess, you have missed the chance of being your- 
self— 

Leic Of being myself what ? 

Var. Of being thyself king. 

Leic. Thou ravest. 

Var. Ay, and King of England to boot: but, how- 
ever, something must be done, and that speedily. 

Leic Right, right; something shall be done ! Ill to 
the Queen, and there disclose the whole ; — she may be- 
come my enemy, but I still have powerful friends — 
Knollis, Horsey, Pembroke, Bedford, Warwick, Hop- 
ton, — all are bound to me, and do not think a tree so 
deeply rooted, is easily torn up by the tempest. 

Var. Forgive me, if, in love to you, I see more diffi- 
culties than you are aware of. 

Leic It may be as thou say'st, I care not; but, first 
I wish to speak with Amy. 

Var. Your lordship will not yourself speak with the 

Leic It is my fixed purpose. . 

Var. {Aside) Now, good devil, if there be one, help 
a poor votary at a pinch : for my boat is among the 
breakers. — It is come to the point I have long dreaded ! 
— I must either witness, like an ungrateful wretch, the 
downfal of the best and kinded of masters, or I must 
speak what I would have buried in the deepest obli- 
vion, or told by any other mouth than mine. 

Leic What is it thou say'st? 



20 KENILWO'RTH : 

Var. My speech is soon made, — I would it were as 
soon answered. — Your marriage with the Countess is 
the sole cause of the threaten'd breach with the Queen. 

Leic. Thou know'st it is ; — what then? 

Var. Men will wager their lands and lives in defence 
of a rich diamond, my lord ; but were it not first pru- 
dent to look if there is no flaw in it ? 

Leic. What means this ? Of whom dost thou dare to 
speak ? 

Var. It is — of the Countess, my lord : — and of whom 
I will speak, though you were to kill me. 

Leic. Perhaps thou may'st deserve it at my hands™ 
but, go on — speak on ! 

Var. I do most strongly believe, that since the 
Queen was first informed of the whole, the Countess 
has been in connivance with Tresilian. 

Leic. Thou speak'st madness, Varney — how could 
they communicate together ? 

Var. To my utter astonishment, I lately met him at 
the postern-gate of Cumnor Place. 

Leic. Thou met'st him there, villain ! and did'st not 
stab him ? — Well, go on !— what further proof? 

Var. After effecting her escape from Cumnor Place, 
and arriving at this castle, the Countess found refuge — 
I dare not say where. 

Leic. Speak, I command thee ! while I retain sense 
enough to hear thee. 

Var. Since it must be so— The lady resorted imme- 
diately to the apartment of Tresilian, where she re- 
mained many hours ; and when I heard that Tresilian 
had a paramour in his chamber, I little dream't that 
paramour was 

Leic. My wife, thou wouid'st say :— but, no, no, it 
is false— false as the smoke of hell ! Ambitious she 
may be,— fickle, and impatient ; — 'tis a woman's fault ; 
but, false to me ?— never ! — The proof— the proof of 
this ? 

Var. My servant, Michael Lambourne, was passing 
the chamber, and, hearing strange voices, he entered in 
—Tresilian immediately rushed on him, and the Coun- 
tess fled ; but, in seeking to prevent her flight, he ob- 
tained one of her gloves,, which I think your lordship 
may know ? 

Leic. I do — I do '.—they were my own gift : — I see 
it all, — 'tis written in characters of burning light ! — I 
see her infamy— -I see nought else ! 



A MELODRAMA. 27 

Var. And yet, my lord, so young; — forgiveness— 

Leic. Speak not for her, Vamey — I will have her 
blood !-«~She shall die the death of a traitress, and 
adultress ! — Talk not to me of forgiveness, Vamey— 
she is doomed. 

Var. Under favour, I should suggest, that she be 
removed to Cumnor. 

Leic. Order me in what thou wilt — but give me 
blood — blood, Vamey ! 

Var. Give me your signet- ring, my lord ? and leave 
all the rest to me. 

Leic. 'Tis here, — here, my good friend. (Gives Var- 
ney the ring) And now, begone ! For this vile woman, 
I was about to shake the foundation of a lawful throne 
— to wrong a Queen, who made me what I am.— Be- 
gone, I say ! — bring me her blood — I will have her 
blood !— 

( With terrific firmness, as he is going out. 

What thou dost, do quickly. [Exit, 

Var. I am sorry for his weakness, but love has made 
him a child ; but this will soon be forgotten, when its 
object is no more. — When Leicester shall be king, the 
means by which he came so, will no more trouble his 
conscience, than the assistance I lent him does mine. 
— 'Tis a pity to wing so pretty a bird ; but she is one 
step too many in the way to the throne. [Exit, 

Re-enter Leicester. 

Leic. And yet, can it be so ? Can falsehood use thus 
boldly the language of truth ? Can infamy thus assume 
the guise of purity ? May she not be innocent ? Death 
demands a proof beyond a doubt : — My mind misgives 
me. — What ho ! without, there !— Oh, Amy ! guilty, or 
not, thy misery cannot equal that which I feel. 

Enter Servant. 

Serv. Call'd you, my lord ? 

Leic Call Richard Varney here. 

Serv. E'en now, my lord, he left the Castle. 

Leic. How came he to do so, after the watch was 
set? 

Serv. He gave satisfactory reasons to the guard, 
and, as I hear, shewed your signet-ring. 

Leic. True, true : yet he has been hasty.— But, do 
any of his attendants remain behind ? 



28 KENILWORTH : 

Serv. I saw Michael Lainboume, but now, saddling 
his horse, to gallop after his master. 

Leic. Bid him hither instantly, and bring me my 
tablets. [Exit Servant. 

Oh ! that cursed slave, Tresilian ! That is, indeed, a 
name to convert tears to blood. — My resolution, there, 
is fixed ; neither entreaty, nor argument, shall move 
me — Tresilian shall be my victim ! 

Re-enter Servant, with Lam bourne. 

Serv. Here, my lord, are your tablets. 

(Giving Leicester the tablets, and [Exit. 

Leic. (Writes on them) Deliver this letter, speedily 

as thy horse can carry thee, into Richard Varney's 

hands ; — it deeply concerns me that it shall be carefully, 

as well as hastily, executed. 

Mich. I will spare neither care nor horseflesh, my 
lord. 

[Exit, with the tablets. 

Leic Perhaps I am now fooled by my own genero- 
sity, and Tresilian may have escaped, and perhaps go 
to the rescue of the adultress, who is so poorly guarded. 
Escape, he never shall, if he ever be found within the 
length of my sword ! 

(As he is going, he meets 

Tresilian, muffled up. 

Tres. I desire some conference with you? 

Leic. Who are you, and what do you want? 

Tres. I am (immuffling) Tresilian, and demand 
justice. 

Leic. Justice, all men are entitled to — you, sir, are 
peculiarly so, and be assured you shall have it. 

Tres. I expect nothing else from your nobleness. — 
I have to request an account from your lordship of the 
unhappy Amy Robsart, whose history is too well known 
to you. — Trusting to the effect of her own remonstrances 
upon her unworthy husband, she extorted from me a 
promise not to interfere in her behalf for twelve hours 
—that time is now past, and I first address myself to 
you. 

Leic Ah ! remember you to whom you speak ? 

Tres. I speak of her unworthy husband, and my re- 
spect can find no softer language. 



A MELO-DRAMA, 20 

Leic. I have heard you, Master Tresilian, without 
interruption, and I bless Heaven, that my ears were 
never before made to tingle by the words of so frontless 
a villain ! — The task of chastising you is fitter for the 
hangman's scourge, than the sword of a nobleman- 
yet, Draw, villain, and defend thyself ! 

[Strikes Tresilian. — They both draw. 

Tres. My lord, as I have been known to many, as 
one who does not fear death, when placed in balance 
with honour, methinks I may ask, without derogation, 
wherefore your lordship has dared to offer me such a 
mark of disgrace ? 

Leic. If you like not such marks of my scorn, be- 
take yourself instantly to your weapon, lest I repeat 
the usage you complain of. 

Tres. It shall not need, my lord : — Heaven judge 
betwixt us, and your blood, if you fall, be on your own 
head. 

(They fight, and Leicester disarms Tresilian; he places 
his foot on his breast, and says 

Letc. Confess thy villainous wrongs to me, and pre- 
pare for death ! 

Tres. I have no villainy, nor wrongs, towards you 
to confess, and have given you no cause for this. 

Leic. No cause ! no cause ! — But, why parley with 
such a slave ?--- Die, a liar, as thou hast lived ! 

(As he is about to kill him, 
A Servant hastily enters, with a letter. 

Serv. My lord, a person has been anxiously seeking 
you the whole of the day, and craves your instant at- 
tention to the contents of this letter. 

Leic Ha! — 

(As Leicester reads the letter, Tresilian rises, and regains 
his sword. 

'Tis from Amy !— Tresilian ! Tresilian ! pierce my heart, 
as I would, e'en now, have pierced thine.-'-- The villains ! 
— But, oh ! that worst of villains, Varney !— And she 
is, even now, in his power ! 



30 KENILWORTH: 

Tres. But not, I trust, with any commands of fatal 
import ? 

Leic. I said something in madness, but it was re- 
called, by a hasty messenger. — She is, she must be, 
now safe ! 

Tres. Yes, she must be safe, and I must be assured 
of her safety. — My own quarrel with you, my lord, is 
ended — but there is another to begin, with the seducer 
of Amy Robs art. 

Leic. The seducer of Amy ! — say, her husband, her 
misguided, blinded, most unworthy husband ! — Think, 
think for me, how to save her — I'll give thee rank, my 
coronet, my heart, my heart's blood, to save her's ! 
Fly, this instant — my wife ! my wife ! — fly — follow — 
fly ! — fly — to Cumnor ! 

(Rushes off, followed by Tresilian and Servant. 



SCENE THE LAST. 

Open Chamber in Cumnor Hall, with Practicable Staircase 
to Drawing. 

Enter A ntonv Poster, and Varney. 

Ant. Her strength is well-nigh exhausted by this 
journey ; she must rest ; that alone will restore her. 

Var. " Rest alone will restore her," — she shall soon 
sleep sound, and long! — We must consider how to 
lodge herin safety. 

Ant. In her own apartment, to be sure, 

Var. We will not trust that, friend Tony; we must 
secure her in a stronger hold ; — in one word, thy cham- 
ber, at the end of the gallery, yonder, which thou hast 
fenced so curiously, must be her place of seclusion. — 



A MELO-DRAMA. 31 

But, soft — I see her coming : I will retire under a part 
of this staircase, while you conduct her to this 
ch amber. 

(Retires, softly, under the stairs. 



The Countess enters. 

Amy. Where is Janet, Master Foster? I would retire 
to rest. 

Ant. My daughter is dear to me, madam, and I de- 
sire not that she should get the Court tricks, of lying, 
and 'scaping — and somewhat too much of this she has 
learnt, an' it please your ladyship : — Yet, 'tis but right 
you have your rest ; but, under favour, you go not to 
your gew-gaw toy-house again ; — you will sleep, to- 
night, in better security. — Your lord will soon be here, 
and you will, doubtless, make your own ways good 
with him. 

Amy. Does he, indeed, come hither, good Foster? — 
How gladly will I, then, to rest. 

Ant. But, will you take no refreshment? 

Amy. Oh, no, no — my chamber: — Alas! 'tis a 
frightful place to look on — But, I trust I may secure it 
on the inside ? 

Ant. With all my heart, so I may secure it on the 
outside. — This way, my lady. 

(Music. — Foster takes a lamp from table, and, preceding 
the Countess, they ascend the staircase. — Varney comes 
out, watching their motions, and is seen examining the 
wall, and the supports reaching to the top of the gal- 
lery, when 



Foster comes down. 

Var. Good Foster, I pray thee, tell me, of what na- 
ture is yonder machinery, so curiously attached to the 
gallery above ? 

Ant. Those supports are attached, by rope-sliders, 
concealed in the wall, and hold up a trap, somewhat 
like a draw-bridge, which, being let down, cuts off all 



32 KENILWORTH : 

communication between the landing-place of the stairs, 
and the room into which I have just shewn the Coun- 
tess. 

Var. And is the abyss below of any depth, when 
the trap is let down ? 

Ant. 'Tis deep enough, indeed, and is well nigh to 
the lowest vault in the Castle ;---but, what of that ? 

Var. Thou wilt esteem her, perhaps, too delicate a 
morsel for the fiend's tooth ? 

Ant. Varney ! and must that, then, be done ? I 
always foresaw it would end there ; but, not to win the 
world's wealth, would I lay hands of violence on her ! 

Var. I cannot blame thee — neither will I. — We 
miss, now, the dog, Lambourne. 

Ant. Why, where tarries Lambourne? 

Var. That's difficult to answer. He overtook me, on 
the road, with my lord's countermand of the signet ; 
but, as my lord wrote it alone with Mike, I thought a 
dead witness could do no harm ; so, I shot him, and 
then rifled his pockets, that they might think it was 
done by robbers. 

Ant. Oh, Varney, where will this end? 

Var. Tush ! tush ! never fear. — But, to our graver 
matters. Yonder trap-door, Tony, — will it remain se- 
cure in appearance, though the supports are withdrawn 
beneath ? 

Ant. Aye, so long as it is not trodden on. 

Var. But, were the lady to attempt an escape over 
it, her weight would bear it down ? 

Ant. A mouse's weight would bear it down. 

Var. Why, then, she dies, in attempting her own 
escape ! and how could you or I help it, honest Tony ? It 
now wants but half an hour of midnight : As soon as 
the clock shall strike twelve, the supports to the ma- 
chinery must be withdrawn. 

Ant. And who is to do this ? 

Var. You. 

Ant. At twelve, then, that trap is to fall, and the 
Countess is to be plunged into this abyss ? 

{In agitation and irresolution for some time, then, as if a 
sudden thought came o'er him, he says, with decision, 

—At twelve, then, I will do it. 

Var. Enough : I now go to visit our little captive. 
She shall have full liberty to come out of her chamber 
at twelve; till then, it must not be touched. 



A MELODRAMA. 33 

Ant. And, till twelve, if occasion require, you may 
pass, and repass, in safety. 

Var. Thanks, good Foster. — Now, Amy, the hour 
of revenge is come : tremble at it. [Music, 

( Varney ascends the staircase, and, as he enters the Coun- 
tess's chamber, he says, 

(i Foster, remember the hour— 'tis twelve." 

{During this time, Foster becomes dreadfully agitated, 
and, at length, says, 

Ant. I feel a kind of dizziness — my head swims — 
the blood is in my threat, and something is pulling at 
my heart : — my eyes are all fire, — oh, for a tear to 
quench them ! (He glares wildly round for some time, 
then bursts into a flood of tears.) I am better now, — 'tis 
lighter here ! (touching his heart) Yes, yes, I will let 
down the trap ; — time, time, thou art too slow for me ! 
— At twelve : and why not now ? — It shall be so. 

(Music. — He lets down the supporters. 

There: 'tis done. — But not for her — nothing shall harm 
her; — it is for him. — Varney shall die; the Countess 
shall be saved ; my daughter shall bless me, and here — 
here — Oh ! I am quite easy here ! (touching his breast, 
and forehead.) But, now the trap's loose, how shall I 
get Varney into the snare ? — Ah ! I have it : — the earl's 
well-known whistle — that will bring Varney from the 
chamber ; I'll go and imitate it's sound, in the court- 
yard. 

, (As he is going out, Leicester is heard. 

Leic. (Without) Where is my wife? 

Ant. Ah ! 'tis my lord's voice ! 

Leic. What ho! Lambourne — Varney — Foster! 

Entering, he sees Foster, and says, 

Ah, villain ! where is my wife ? 

Ant. She is safe — she is safe ! — I am innocent ! 

Tres. 'Tis false ! — I'll not believe it. 

Leic Nor I — Where is she? — My wife! it is thy 
lord, thy Leicester calls. 

Amy. (Within) Ah! (Screams. 

Leic. Ah! she is there ! — I fly to rescue thee ! 

(As he is rushing up stairs, Foster runs to hint' 



34 KEVIL WORTH : 

Ant. Hold ! hold, for mercy ' Have a care — Death 
is beneath your feet ! 

Leic. Detested wretch, I care not ! Varney, come 
forth ! — My wife ! 

(As he continues running up, Varney appears at the door 
of the chamber, and says, 

Var. Advance not! I am armed i 
Leic. Ah ! villain! 

Var . (Seeing that he does not stop) Nay, then, thus I 
rush on thee, and destroy thee and thy hopes for ever 1 . 

(As Leicester nearly readies the top of the stairs, Varney 
runs towards him, the trap gives ivay, and he is hurled 
down. — The Countess is seen at the door of her cham- 
ber. — Tresilian is on another part of the stairs, and 
Janet rushes into her fathers arms. — Servants, Sfcfill 
up the tableau. 



THE CURTAIN DROPS. 



Hodgson, Printer, 25, Fleet Street, London. 



